Caring for Children in a Community Program 20140204 Seizures Abnormal burst of electrical signals in the brain When a person has more than one seizure it is called a seizure disorder ID: 216906
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Slide1
Seizure Disorders
Caring for Children
in a Community Program
2014-02-04Slide2
Seizures
Abnormal burst of electrical signals in the brain
When a person has more than one seizure, it is called a
seizure disorder or epilepsySlide3
Seizures
The part of brain where erratic impulses occur affects where seizure occurs in bodySlide4
Causes of Seizures
Problems with brain
development before birthLack of oxygen or damage to brain during/after birth
Brain injury Brain infections Metabolic conditions
Interruption in blood flow to
the brain (e.g., stroke)
Brain tumorSlide5
Triggers for Seizures
Missing a regular dosage of
anti-seizure medication
Stress, excitementLack of sleepPoor lifestyle habits Illness, fever
Flickering lights
Hyperventilation
Extreme emotions
Heat, humidity
Hormonal changesSlide6
Types of Seizures
Generalized
Tonic clonic
AbsenceMyoclonic
Atonic
Partial
Simple partial
Complex partialSlide7
Tonic Clonic Seizure
(generalized)
Suddenly loses consciousnessBody stiffens (tonic phase)Body jerks repeatedly (clonic phase)Skin may turn pale or blue/grey
May cry outMay have changes in breathingMay clench teethMay bite tongue
May drool or have increased salivation
May lose bladder and bowel control
Will be confused and tired after the seizureSlide8
Responding to Tonic Clonic Seizure
During the seizure
Note the time when you become aware of the seizure.
Put the child on the floor in a side-lying position. Loosen tight clothing around the neck. Keep the child safe. Move any harmful objects out of the child’s way.
Stay with the child.
After the seizure
Stay with the child.
Reassure and comfort
the child.
Inform the parent/guardian
that the seizure occurred.Slide9
Other Generalized Seizures
Absence
BriefStares blanklyMay have eye blinking, fluttering or upward rolling eyes
Loss of consciousnessMyoclonicBrief
Sudden muscle jerks
– may be mild or intense, can affect one part or whole body
Occurs more frequently when falling asleep or upon awakening, may occur in succession
No loss of consciousness
Recovers within seconds
Atonic
Brief
Sudden loss in muscle tone – if standing, may fall to the ground
If loss of muscle tone is severe, dramatic loss of muscle tone occurs
Loss of consciousnessSlide10
Responding to Absence, Myoclonic & Atonic
Seizures
Wearing a helmet may be recommended for children with myoclonic and atonic seizures.
During the seizure
Stay with the child.
Keep the child safe. Move child if in an unsafe place.
After the seizure
Check for injuries, if applicable.
Reassure and comfort the child. Slide11
Partial Seizures
Simple partial
Affects movement, sensations, emotions or autonomic functions May have jerking movementsMay see or hear things that are not there
May appear sad, afraid, angry, laugh out loud.May experience loss of sensation, tingling, pain or nauseaAwake & aware
Complex partial seizures
May begin with an aura (warning sign)
May stare or appear dazed
May make repeated motions (automatisms)
May appear dizzy, confused, anxious,
scared, angry and experience abdominal
pain or an unusual taste or odor.
May respond inappropriately
May be confused and tired after the seizure
Altered level of consciousness
.Slide12
Complex Partial Seizures
During the seizure
Note the time you become aware of the seizure.
Keep the child safe. Move child if in an unsafe place. Guide child away from hazards.After the seizure
Reassure and comfort the child.
Reorient to surroundings.
If the seizure progresses to a
secondarily generalized seizure
(partial seizures that spread throughout the brain to become a generalized), implement the response for tonic-clonic seizures.Slide13
Observing Seizures
Length of the seizure
Time and date seizure occurredDescription of seizure activity observed. Activities child was participating in Exposure to possible triggers Slide14
Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutesRepetitive seizures with no recovery in between
Serious injury Other medical concernsPregnant, diabetes
Emergency Situations
Activate 911/EMS.
Notify parent/guardian.
Do NOT leave child alone.Slide15
Treatment of Seizures
Anti-seizure medication
Rescue medicationSurgeryKetogenic diet
Vagus Nerve StimulatorSlide16
Anti-seizure Medication
Most common treatment
Usually taken at homeCommon side effects
DrowsinessFatigueChanges in attention spanChanges in appetite
Mood swings
Altered balance
Decreased coordinationSlide17
Rescue Medication
To stop seizure or prevent further seizures occurring in a cluster
Lorazepam, Midazolam
Usually given after 5 minutes of seizure activityWhen to give rescue medication is specific in health care planIf you did NOT witness start of seizure, administer rescue medication immediatelySlide18
Administering Lorazepam
Place Lorazepam between inner cheek and gum. Massage cheek gently.
Activate 911
∕EMS if seizure does not stop after specified amount of time (see health care plan).
Notify parent ∕ guardian.
Stay with child until EMS arrives.Slide19
Precautions
Children should be allowed to enjoy a wide range of activities
Some activities may require precautions
SwimmingClimbingCycling
BathingSlide20
Child specific information
History of seizure activityTypical length & frequency of seizure(s)
Precautions, if anyLocation of rescue medication, if prescribed
Health Care Plans are located in child file and binder